The 20-minute capital diagnostic.
Seven questions about one project. Where your capital goes, how long it stays there, and what caps the next start. Print it, fill it in, bring it to the call. Or we fill it in together.
How to use this page
One letter per question. Answer in bands and rough months, not spreadsheets; I am after the shape of the thing, not the decimals. The last line is the only one that requires a decision, and it is a small one: which project do we look at first.
What do you build, and how many projects have you completed in the last 12 months?
Why I ask: Spec, custom, renovation and infill are reviewed differently. The count tells me whether we are talking about one project or a pipeline.
How much of your own capital is committed to a typical project? A band is fine.
Why I ask: I am not after a precise number. I want to know what one project ties up, because that is what comes back sooner if the handoff changes.
How many months from lot to closing, on a typical project?
Why I ask: Capital times months is the real cost of a project to you. Most builders have never written that number down.
What caps the next project right now: capital, lots, buyers or crew?
Why I ask: If the answer is lots, buyers or crew, this model does not help you and I will say so. If the answer is capital, keep going.
Is there a lot or a plan in hand now that could be the test project?
Why I ask: One project is enough. It should be the next one with a buyer attached, not a hypothetical.
Is a realtor already part of how buyers reach you?
Why I ask: If so, they are already in the handoff and should hear this at the same time you do. It saves a second conversation.
In the next 20 minutes: which one project do we look at?
Why I ask: Everything above is context. This is the decision. Pick one, and we review it. If it fits, we run it. If it doesn't, we stop.
What happens after the seven
If the project looks potentially eligible, I review it: the buyer, the builder, the lot or property, the contract and the budget, each on its own. Every borrower, builder, property, contract, budget and transaction is reviewed individually. If it fits, we run that one project and you judge the result. If it doesn't fit, we stop, and you keep the page.
The longer version of the model, with the FAQ, is at Construction Loans for Builders.
Bring the page. Book the 20 minutes.
Filled in or blank, either works. We look at one project and you decide from there.
Book the Capital DiagnosticReady now
Book 20 minutes with Sean
A strategy call, not a pitch. You leave knowing what fits, what it takes, and your next step.
Still thinking
Not ready? Talk it through with Rosie
She watches the market so you don't have to, and tells you when it's worth a call with her Dad.